Germans Moritz Von Oswald and Mark Ernestus of Basic Channel continue their project of reissuing out-of-print albums on Wackies, a label run out of New York by Lloyd ‘Bullwackie’ Barnes.
Reckless Roots Rockers is a fine dub set originally released in 1977 with Jah Upton and Prince Douglas joining Lloyd Barnes at the mixing desk. For those expecting additional tracks thanks to a CD release, you will be disappointed. This is a straight copy of the original vinyl release and clocks in at just over 32 minutes. On the other hand, if you are more concerned with quality over quantity then this release is for you. Most of the tracks were put down at King Tubby’s studio by the Soul Syndicate from 1974 to 1975 and it’s a pedigree that doesn’t disappoint.
The disc starts with ‘Dub Full Of Girls’ with those glorious, cheesy keyboards that dance over a simple dub rhythm. There are other upbeat tracks like ‘Roots Rockers’ and ‘City Line.’ ‘Underworld’ goes deeper with a beat that feels like a second heartbeat. ‘Explosure’ is quintessential ’70s era dub – it’s all in the drum and bass, punctured by chunky guitar riffs embellished with sparing use of reverb and an organ that floats in and out of the mix like a green ghost. ‘Chin Chow’ features the roots stylings of Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith on guitar. There is one vocal track, the righteous ‘Prepare Jah Man’ voiced by Don Carlos.
Basic Channel are to be commended for releasing such delights.
Michael Vandelaar
